TECHFEST 2025: Open, innovative startups, connecting communities and businesses.

On the morning of December 12th, within the framework of the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival TECHFEST Vietnam 2025, the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (NATEC), the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support Center (NSSC) of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainable Development Management Research (MSD) – United Way Vietnam – Head of the Open Social Innovation Community, organized the workshop “Open Social Innovation – Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Entire Population”.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Pham Hong Quat – Director of the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises, Ministry of Science and Technology – emphasized the crucial role of open innovation in the national development process, helping Vietnam overcome growth and social challenges.

Mr. Pham Hong Quat, Director of the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises, Ministry of Science and Technology, delivered the opening speech. (Photo: Techfest)

Using the image of Saint Gióng as the symbol for TECHFEST Vietnam 2025, Mr. Phạm Hồng Quất believes that the spirit of growth through community collaboration is the inspiration for the current startup ecosystem. According to him, Vietnam is facing many issues such as the middle-income trap, an aging population, environmental pollution, and pressure in megacities.

The coordinated implementation of the Open Social Innovation Community within the framework of TECHFEST 2025 is expected to bring new technological solutions, creating practical socio -economic value for many community groups.

Also speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam, Kees van Baar, acknowledged that open social innovation is a crucial bridge between economic development and community welfare. “The Netherlands highly appreciates Vietnam’s efforts in promoting nationwide innovation and digital transformation, considering it a driving force for creating substantive changes in the digital age,” the Dutch Ambassador emphasized.

Ambassador Kees van Baar of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam speaks at the event. (Photo: Techfest)

According to the Ambassador, the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation requires technology to be closely linked to people, ensuring that no one is left behind. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach, ensuring equal access to digital services for all groups in society, including youth, women, and vulnerable communities.

He also argued that innovation can only be achieved in an open society where people have the freedom to experience and explore. Ambassador Kees van Baar affirmed that the relationship between the Netherlands and Vietnam is not limited to trade but is a partnership of shared values, and expressed his commitment to continue working with Vietnam on initiatives to promote innovation, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.

In the section on trends and context, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Linh – Director of MSD United Way Vietnam – presented a key analysis of the startup and social innovation ecosystem in Vietnam. The presentation highlighted major barriers related to data, collaboration mechanisms, impact measurement, and human resource capacity.

She emphasized that for the ecosystem to truly develop sustainably, Vietnam needs to focus on building the pillars of innovation, openness, connectivity, inclusiveness, and upward mobility. Ms. Linh also noted that open social innovation has become an inevitable trend worldwide, as it is the most effective approach to addressing complex challenges such as inequality, climate change, and rapid urbanization.

“Innovation is not just about advanced technologies, but about our ability to open up new spaces where people can participate, be heard, and collaboratively create solutions. When an elderly person in a rural area, a woman with a disability, or a student in a remote area can contribute data and feedback, the ecosystem becomes not only smarter but also fairer and more humane, addressing the root of the problem to move towards sustainable development,” shared the Director of MSD United Way Vietnam.

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Linh – Director of MSD United Way Vietnam, presenting at the event. (Photo: Techfest)

From a business perspective, Mr. Sun Sukkun – Director of Shinhan Square Bridge, Shinhan Financial Group's Hope Foundation – shared about the open social innovation model that Shinhan Group has built in Korea and expanded to Vietnam since 2021.

The Shinhan Square Bridge model is designed as a platform connecting interdisciplinary and cross-border sectors, where startups, businesses, social organizations, and communities can collaboratively create solutions, test business models, and expand social impact.

According to him, the training and mentoring process plays a crucial role, with the involvement of experienced professionals to support startups and businesses in the collaboration process. He emphasized that open communication is essential for an effective operating model, especially when startups work with large businesses, where the mentoring team plays a connecting role and removes barriers.

Mr. Sun Sukkun stated that open social innovation should not only aim for economic value but also create social value, aligning with ESG goals and overall impact. He expressed his desire to further expand cooperation and called for the joint efforts of all stakeholders in the future.

Minh Hoan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/techfest-2025-khoi-nghiep-doi-moi-sang-tao-mo-ket-noi-cong-dong-va-doanh-nghiep-ar992607.html